BSF has made minor changes to the structure of some of our programming. While skiers in our development and competitive programs have in the last several years worked under the U-age system, we will now use the U-system for all youth programs--making it easier to group skiers by both age and ability AND giving them an easy step-by-step progression through BSF.
This applies to all BSF programs: Alpine, Nordic, Freestyle/Freeskiing.
Not much. The biggest change is that everyone will register by their age group within a specific program. Also, within a few programs, kids will be given a chance to spend more time on skis. Skiers in the younger age groups will now have a variety of options to choose from.
Skiers will enjoy the same coaches and programming. Our mission stays the same: to give your kids a great, enjoyable outdoor experience, inspire a lifelong love of skiing, and to help them grow-as skiers, individuals, and teammates. They'll play games, laugh, forge new friendships, and become great skiers.
We made this change primarily because it better aligns BSF's younger age-group programs with recent updates to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard (formerly USSA) development system. We've been following this development system for decades at the older age-group levels, and we've seen it work beautifully for hundreds of BSF athletes who've enjoyed our programs. These systems continue to improve, and BSF embraces these changes. The U.S. Ski & Snowboard development system is based on the best science out there on multilateral (physiological, cognitive, physical, and social) development. It's designed to give skiers the most enjoyable experience possible and to give them the opportunity to progress as far as they desire.
We made some helpful spreadsheets for each of the disciplines, so you can see what's available by age group, what that program includes, and how much it costs. These tables should answer most basic questions. (Click on the buttons below to view the spreadsheets.)
FREESTYLE & FREESKIING PROGRAMS
You can enter our programs at any age. If you're new to BSF, we have a great program for you, no matter your age or ability. If the spreadsheets or website are at all confusing, or you don't know which program is best for your skier, please don't hesitate to talk with a Program Director or your child's coach.
We will continue to offer financial aid/scholarships opportunities for skiers in what we used to refer to as our devo and comp programs. This means scholarships are available for every program except the Introductory programs. Applications are due mid October.However, we are creating a list of families that may need assistance with the entry-level introductory programs. Please contact us if you need to be on this list.
You might notice that many of our programs start in the fall, giving skiers the chance to prepare for the season with dryland activities. We understand that conflicts occur; some athletes may choose to only participate as their schedules allow during the early season. Just talk to your coach.
Registration for fall programs, as well as most of our winter programming, will open August 30.
The U.S. Ski & Snowboard (USSA) Development Systems are a vital tool to help parents, coaches, and athletes focus on the right things at the right time to maximize their improvement, long-term potential and enjoyment in skiing and snowboarding. We encourage you to check out their website for more in-depth information. http://ussa.org/ussa/training-systems-overview
